About Us

Our Mission

The book publishing and marketing professionals of Jenkins Group, Inc. are focused on just one goal: to make your vision, our mission. We are America's premiere independent book publishing services firm and have achieved this status through a series of targeted and highly successful solutions.

With integrity, responsiveness, and a detailed straightforward presentation, Jenkins Group provides the best menu of marketing and custom book publishing services for independent and small press book publishers available anywhere. We serve a local, national and international clientele and hope that your book project can soon become our next mission.

Our Office

Jenkins Group, Inc. is located in Traverse City, Michigan at the base of Lake Michigan's beautiful Grand Traverse Bay. Our offices occupy the vintage Tru-Fit Trouser Factory building. Where we now make books, members of the United Garment Workers of America manufactured police and postal carrier uniforms during the 1940's and 1950's. The refurbished building has a modern industrial feel which offers a creative space and unique working environment for both client and staff. We invite you to take a virtual tour of our space by viewing the photos on this page.

Our Staff

Jerrold Jenkins founded Jenkins Group in 1988 as Publisher's Design Service and Publisher's Distribution Service. In 1994, he sold his interest in Publisher's Distribution Service, retaining his interest and position as owner and president of Publisher's Design Service. In 1995, the corporate name became Jenkins Group, Inc. adding new staff and purchasing SmallPress magazine, now known as Independent Publisher Online. He also began two publishing imprints, Rhodes and Easton—under which he co-authored and published Publish to Win! and Inside the Bestsellers—and Sage Creek Press. It was the work with these imprints that gave rise to Custom Book Publishing. Much of his time today is dedicated to working with corporate and special markets clients. Jerry continues to work as a consultant to many publishers and speaks throughout the country on the art of independent publishing and the marketing opportunities that abound. It has been this work that has shaped the company for the future. To meet the needs of the many publishers he has spoken with, Jerry created the Special Markets Division, which has led to affordable services for any publisher. A graduate of Alma College, Jenkins worked as a financial and investment management group account executive, prior to his publishing career.

Leah Nicholson manages the production aspects of all custom book publishing at Jenkins Group. For each of the company's projects, Leah directs a wealth of talented designers, editors, writers and printers in their day-to-day activities. Leah was in charge of all book editorial and text design during her first 5 years with Jenkins Group. With a strong focus on customer service, attention to detail and years of publishing experience, Leah's drive and determination are great assets to the Jenkins Group.

Leah holds a Bachelor of Arts degree in English and Professional Writing from Grand Valley State University.

Yvonne brings a passion for books along with a diverse skill set to each project. She worked as a graphic designer and communications specialist for fifteen years before working for ten years in the grande format print industry. She is committed to providing vision and direction with a personal touch to each book design. Her broad range of professional experience includes multi-billion dollar companies to the one-man operation.

Yvonne has a Master of Arts in Organizational Management from University of Phoenix and a B.S. in Mass Communications from Minnesota State University Moorhead. She has completed ten years of independent study in the areas of fine art and design.

Yvonne serves on the board of directors for The Children’s House, an Independent Montessori School and The Crescent Advisory Board for the Gamma Phi Beta sorority alumni magazine.

Jim provides overall leadership and oversight to daily operations, whether they are customer related or back office oriented. He joined Jenkins Group in 1999, bringing more than 10 years of operational and organizational change experience from the leading consulting firm Accenture. Jim applies his skills in finance, information technology, process management, human resources and communication to all teams within the Jenkins organization. He is a specialist in problem solving, project planning, change management and quantitative analysis to ensure the company is constantly improving, both in the eyes of its customers and employees.